New year, new word

Last year, I did a one word theme for the year. I loved having just one word as my resolution. It really helped me to focus inward and see what changes I need to make.

It's taken me a much longer time to pick out a word for this year. Logan had his word picked out a few weeks before mine (his is habit - developing habits). I kept going back and forth with a lot of different words; mainly because I wanted to focus on them all. But that's not the way it works. So I just let the word come to me, not rushing it.

2012 came to an end, and I still had not bought a new 2013 calender. I freaked out and told Logan that we needed one ASAP because my calendar is always full, and if it isn't - I fill it in with all sorts of things. I wanted to start planning our weeks - what we were doing, where we were going, etc. But we went without a calender for a few days. Time stood still for a second and I was able to just embrace the days instead of looking at the next thing I needed (or in most cases, what I wanted to do).

Some (including my husband) would say I take on too much, that I can't say no to others, to my body that needs rest, or to my mind that says to read one more blog, write more e-mail, or pin one more thing on Pinterest. I keep going, pushing through because I know I can do it. And I am very good at doing everything I want to do (not necessarily things I need to do). While it is good to stay busy and active, I realized that I need to slow down and relax a little bit.

That's when it hit me. My word. I am dedicating this year to being still.

Every ounce of me wants time to stand still, so I can take it all in at once. But I've realized that I need to be the one to stand still. I need to be the one to recognize the moments - big or small. I've been so busy with creating moments (i.e. planning my calendar) or capturing moments (i.e. documenting every single thing on my blog, on Instagram, FB, etc) that I have forgotten what it is like to be still, to actually enjoy the moments as I am in them.

So it is my hope that I can learn to be more still and calm this year - to recognize the moments with my family and friends. And, more importantly to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. I know He is there. I just have to be still to really see, feel, and embrace His presence.

What is your word for the year?

2012 recap

Every end of the year, I do a recap of our year. This past year, 2012, was probably our most trying, faith building year. Take a look at the highlights, individually and as a family:


Abby:
-coached a middle school girls' soccer team
-finished ALL graduate classes for Master's degree!!!!!!
-edited lots of papers, college essays, resumes for family and students (for work purposes)
-planned way too many parties including baby showers, birthday parties, etc.
-started using Instagram (officially addicted to it - @abbycorbett)

Logan:
-started a new job working for Moxie
-complete several data mining projects for work
-took a few classes at NC State
-applied to the Masters in Analytics program at NC State (got stuck on the wait-list)
-reapplied to the Maters in Analytics program at NC State (interview is this month - crossing our fingers!)

Hudson:
-learned to walk, run, talk, and dance
-celebrated his first birthday complete with a party
-can sign "more," "finished," and "please"
-recognizes all sorts of animals and their sounds
-learning new words everyday, so far he can say: mom, dad, ball, bird, no, yep, bath, hi, peeze (please) and bye.
-excited to start going to nursery during church hours (mom and dad are excited too)

Together:
-served as primary teachers (and still serving)
-traveled to VA many, many times
-two beach trips in the summer
-went on our first camping trip as a family of three
-celebrated our three year anniversary
-traveled to VA for Thanksgiving and Christmas
-started eating healthier (less meat, more fruit and veggies)
-finally figured out a consistent budget that works
-went to the zoo, Life and Science Museum, and the state fair
-befriended lots of great people in our ward
-had the Corbett and Sangbouasy family visit in consecutive weekends

We are grateful for 2012. It was a tough year, but we learned a lot and came out of it with renewed faith. We are looking forward to more growth, more love, and more joy in this new year. 

Welcome 2013! 

Christmas 2012

in pictures....

 H traveling like a boss with the iPad mini. 

We didn't stop once on the way up to VA thanks to Logan, his awesome job, and Apple. 

My parents took all the kids out for a nice dinner at Peking Gourmet Inn. 

Hudson was at home with the Corbetts (benefit of having both families live close). 

Christmas Eve

All the Corbetts together for Christmas (minus me - I was taking the picture).

 Christmas morning at the Corbett home. 

Hudson got a basketball hoop from Santa. And a whole lot of other presents too!
Spoiled kid. 

 He's still a little young to understand what it is, but I have no doubt he'll be as good as Jimmer one day (minus the height). 

matching aprons for all the Corbett girls

handmade gifts are the BEST! 

 Christmas afternoon at the Sangbouasy home.

My sister and I got pretty purses from Laos; thanks to my parents for bringing them back for us. 

Hudson got this adorable traditional Lao shirt from the grandparents. A little big, but so cute on him. 

Logan got one too so they could match. 

 Christmas Day evening

We went to see the lights at the D.C. temple and see a concert with all the Corbetts.

 Such a beautiful temple.

 The day after Christmas we headed up to D.C. to see A Christmas Carol at the Ford Theatre. 

This was a gift from Logan's parents. It was really neat.

 My dad made a fire pit outside one night and we made s'mores. 

It was so fun! 

We also got some family pictures done with the Corbetts.

If only Hudson was looking, this would have been perfect.

And here's a little Corbett sass for you. It's what they do best. ;) 

On the way home - New Years Eve. We were excited to get back!

Not Pictured:

The few days we spent at a hotel away from home with the Corbetts

Hudson being sick for most of the break

The Corbett boys and my dad playing in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament

Spending a little time with my two best friends from high school, Anna and Angelina, one afternoon 

Logan and I going on a date to see Les Mis and out for dinner (we hadn't been on a date in months, so it was perfect). 

What a great Christmas break! It will probably be the last one (in awhile) where our families are in VA at the same time. It was a great trip and we enjoyed being there so much! 

December things

My favorite thing in December is the opportunity we have to practice a little more giving, loving, and spreading holiday cheer because of the birth of our Savior. I love how the holidays bring people together, and after the terrible shooting in CT, we could use a little more unity and love. Here's what we've been up to these past few weeks:


Crafting:

 We made this darling handprint Christmas tree for family night a few Mondays ago.

 We made these star crayons as Christmas gifts.  

We talked about gifts we could give to Jesus this year in our Primary class. 

The children made this Christmas chain and put their ideas on each link.

We used it to decorate our tree. 

Baking:

My friend and I made sugar cookies for the sisters we visit teach. 

I made these delicious peanut blossoms (aka peanut butter cookies with kisses on top) for friends in our church congregation, and we delivered them as a family. 

Going out:

 Logan's work held a Christmas Party at a delicious Brazilian steakhouse called Brasa. 

It's similar to Tucanos, to all my Utah friends.  

We went on a sleigh ride one night. Too bad there wasn't any snow! 

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party:

 My friend, Christine (not pictured - her son got sick that night), and I hosted a party. It turned out really well considering the location got moved at the last minute and a lot of families couldn't come due to sickness and/or other obligations. We ate, played Minute to Win it Games, and had a really great time with friends. 

 We also got some pretty good awkward family photos that we can submit to the website now.

I have no words for this particular one.  

We didn't have to decorate much for the party since this is what our place looks like in December. 

It is so pretty.

 Cupcakes made by my friend, Cari. Gingerbread cupcakes with eggnog frosting. 

I thought these were the cutest salt and pepper shakers. I found them at Harris Teeter for a dollar each. Score! 

Logan made wassil. (I pronounce it "WAS-SIL")

It was yummy!

Being home together:

 With all the holiday traveling for Thanksgiving and soon Christmas, it has been nice just being home and enjoying our family of three. 

How grateful I am for my darling family. I love them so much!

We are excited to spend Christmas in VA with ALL of our family. It will be such a fun time. We are looking forward to it. It will be busy, but we figure we can hibernate later!